Having conflicts is a part of life. One particular conflict I am having is with a few teachers at the school where I teach English. The teachers use corporal punishment, fear and intimidation to control their classrooms. It is clear the teachers have no class management skills. I have mentioned to them on several occasions, ways to improve how they manage the class. My communication to them is seen as me being more intelligent than them which leads to hurt and angry feelings. They are often defensive and don't want to accept my feedback.
Two strategies I learned about this week that could help me resolve conflict more productively are: Having empathy and being able to manage emotions. The best way to build empathy is to help the person feel that they are understood (Conflict Resolution Network, n.d.). During conflict, it is important that both sides are heard. One way to demonstrate empathy is through active listening. I learned active listening includes getting a clear picture, acknowledging or exploring the problem and responding. I think having empathy in solving conflict allows the other person to see you are thinking of them and their feelings as you aim for resolution. Having empathy is also used in the nonviolent communication model.
Two strategies I learned about this week that could help me resolve conflict more productively are: Having empathy and being able to manage emotions. The best way to build empathy is to help the person feel that they are understood (Conflict Resolution Network, n.d.). During conflict, it is important that both sides are heard. One way to demonstrate empathy is through active listening. I learned active listening includes getting a clear picture, acknowledging or exploring the problem and responding. I think having empathy in solving conflict allows the other person to see you are thinking of them and their feelings as you aim for resolution. Having empathy is also used in the nonviolent communication model.
Another
strategy for conflict resolution is being able to manage emotions. This approach could be especially useful
during heated debates. I chose to pay
close attention to this strategy due to my scoring high on the verbal aggressiveness
scale we participated in last week. Managing emotions includes understanding behaviors
about yourself and the person you are in conflict with. Our responses to others difficult behaviors
can influence the outcome of the conflict. This approach requires thought. The
thoughts include the conflict and why people are behaving the way they are.
References
Conflict Resolution
Network. (n.d.) http://www.cmhg.org/pages.php?pID=12#skill_3
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteIt must be very frustrating for you to see harm done to the students and feel powerless for them. I guess your strategy of trying to consider the teacher's feelings as well is a good one, even if your interest is in the students first. Knowing where the teachers are coming from and why they are acting the way they do could help you help them. They will not change until they learn another strategy and realize how physical punishment is not the way to go. Being patient and act non aggressively will help you get your message across to them.
good luck
Julie
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteyou made a lot of good points here. I agree with your ideas on managing your emotions during a conflict. One of my favorite things that I learned with this weeks lesson was the different strategies for managing conflict. My preference for conflict management was cooperative strategies where both parties benefit from the conflict resolution.
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteenjoyed reading the two strategies that you chose to manage the conflict. I fully agree with you that one way to demonstrate empathy is through active listening. Thus, it is essential that during conflict the two partners should listen to each other’s perspectives and opinions so they can reach to the best solutions that can serve the two partners and can create mutual understanding and active relationships. Thank you for sharing